My Place By the Fire

Scripture – John 18:25-27: As Simon Peter stood warming himself, he was asked, “You are not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it, saying, “I am not.” One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, “Didn’t I see you with him in the olive grove?” Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) As Peter was warming himself, he denied being a disciple of Christ. Had he said “yes,” what would have happened? Of course, I can never know that. I do imagine, however, he would have at least lost his place by the fire. I live in the midst of great affluence and am used to many comforts and frills in life. How do these affect my witness for Christ? If I claim my discipleship and take it more seriously, what impact might it have on the comforts of my life? How important is my place by the fire?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I’ve never felt challenged to give up much stuff for Christ – not really. Even as I try to live a relatively simple life, I still have more comforts around me than most people in the world. I don’t really have an answer today. I’ll live with the questions and with a clearer awareness of how much I have and how that impacts my discipleship this week.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, thank you for the many material things you’ve blessed me with in life. Forgive me for letting them get in the way of my seeing and hearing you. Set me free from their power and hold on me. Give me the strength and courage to give up my place by the fire for you.